As part of their ongoing effort to strengthen the disaster resilience of California residents, the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) and American Red Cross announce the development of preparedness starter kits for the access and functional needs community.

These kits are the latest product of the ongoing partnership between Cal EMA and Red Cross to equip all of California's diverse communities with the knowledge and tools they need to prevent, prepare for and safely respond to emergencies when the time comes.

"It is essential that all communities, including the access and functional needs community, be educated about individual preparedness and empowered to protect themselves and their loved ones in the event of an emergency," said Cal EMA Secretary Mark Ghilarducci.

Access and functional needs populations are defined as those who may have additional needs before, during or after an incident in functional areas, such as maintaining independence, communication, transportation and medical care.

Individuals in need of additional response assistance may include the elderly, children or people with disabilities, limited English proficiency, limited access to transportation or those who live in institutionalized settings.

"This starter kit differs from the standard preparedness kit. The educational materials are focused on the unique and special requirements of the access and functional needs community; the kit contains tools such as a medication organizer, collapsible water bowl for assistance animals, and emergency notification cards" said Sheri Burns, Executive Director of Community Resources for Independent Living.

"In partnership with Cal EMA, Red Cross offers emergency preparedness tips and training in 14 languages, has distributed over 46,000 preparedness kits to Californians over the past two years, and continues to reach out to better prepare diverse and vulnerable communities across the state of California," said Harold Brooks, chief executive officer of American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter, who facilitated the collaboration between Red Cross and Cal EMA.

The Cal EMA and Red Cross preparedness starter kits are being distributed by local Red Cross chapters throughout the state during preparedness trainings and community events as part of their mission to prepare California residents.

For more information regarding these kits and the ongoing effort to prepare Californians for any emergency or disaster, please visit Cal EMA at www.calema.ca.gov .

American Red Cross chapter serving Lake County can be reached at 707-263-8451.